The KNU/KNLA Peace Council was formed after the former KNLA brigade 7 commander Maj.Gen. Saw Htay Maung was dismissed by the KNU for initiating peace talks with the Myanmararmy without the approval of the KNU central committee in 2007. Maj. Gen. Saw Htay Maungsigned a peace deal with the Myanmar junta on January 31 that year and transformed hisbrigade 7 into the KNU/KNLA Peace Council.

To stop all kinds of military offenses against the Karen including stopping atrocities, forced labor and any form of human right abuse.

To regain the Karen land.

To solve the refugees and IDP problem by allowing refugees to return to their homeland to live peacefully under the care of the KNU/KNLA Peace Council (not under Burmese military). Allowing UNHCR, NGOs and other aid agencies to have access to take care of rebuilding the Karen community.

To allow Karen to cultivate our own land and utilizing our own natural resources to develop the Karen state. That includes infrastructure, farming, tourism, fisheries, import /export trade, schools, hospitals, medical care etc.

To allow Karen to freely practice religious and cultural celebrations including Karen National Day, Martyrs Day, Karen New Year etc.

To hold the legal right to have our own arms and set up our own Karen army forces to protect the safety and peaceful living of our own people. Recognition of both the Karen National Flag and Military Flag.

To support non-violent activity that will bring political change to Democracy and the Karen to hold the right to develop our own Democratic society within our own State as well as Burma as a whole.

The government requested the KPC to become a political party and surrender arms, however the KPC rejected and will try to discuss the issues further.

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27/1/2014

Thaton township

Brid Gen Saw Kyaw Lin (Brigade 1)

Ohn Myint - State Minister Mon

Mon prime minister Ohn Myint and KNU brigade 1 meet in thaton township for cooperation of rural and village development.

Developments

Agreed points:

Members of KNU/KNLA Peace Council are allowed to maintain a presence at Maela Hta and Tokawko village

Travel across borders with weapons after mutual pre-negotiations

Provide accommodation to “region peace and development troops”

Continue to negotiate until a permanent peace deal has been reached.

State will allow and render assistance for self-reliant undertakings for quickly fulfilling the basic needs, education, health, transport, water and electricity supply in the area for resettlement of national races that are residing in another country and render assistance for self-reliance

Demanding:

to cease of military operations in the region

more development of border trade and regional infrastructure

more exploration and trade licences for timber and mineral extraction to avoid exploitation from Thailand